Our Services

Vein Disease

Varicose veins may seem like a disease unto themselves. They are, however, simply one complication of vein disease. Vascular surgeon Danon Garrido, MD, at Advanced Vascular & Vein Associates in Flowood, Mississippi, provide expert diagnostic testing and the highest-quality care available for vein disease. They’re pleased to offer residents throughout Central Mississippi patient-first medical services that blend perfectly with cutting-edge technology available at one convenient location. Schedule a visit today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.

Vein Disease Q & A

What is vein disease?

Vein disease, also known as venous disease or chronic venous insufficiency, develops when the walls and valves in leg veins malfunction. This allows blood to flow backward into the vein rather than toward the heart as it should.

As the blood collects or pools in the vein, called stasis, the pressure on already stressed vein walls and valves increases, weakening them even further.

Left untreated, vein disease can eventually cause:

New or worsening varicose veins
Swelling in the lower legs and ankles
Painful open sores (stasis ulcers) caused by burst capillaries near the skin surface
Aching pain in the legs that usually worsens with prolonged standing or sitting
Flaky, itchy, or shiny skin on the lower legs and feet

Other complications related to vein disease include superficial thrombophlebitis or inflammation of a surface vein related to a blot clot in the vein.

Less often, vein disease may also cause you to develop a clot in a deeper vein. This is more serious than superficial thrombophlebitis since the clot can break away and travel to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism.

What causes vein disease?

Research hasn’t established why some people develop vein disease and others don’t. The Society for Vascular Surgery estimates, however, that approximately 40% of adults in the United States have venous insufficiency.

Factors that may increase your risk of developing vein disease include:

History of blood clot
Jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing
Pregnancy
Sex, more common in women than men
Tobacco use
Family history of venous insufficiency
Excess weight

Because your veins rely on strong calf muscles to help move blood upward through veins, immobility due to chronic medical conditions, a sedentary lifestyle, and even a long plane trip or car ride can increase your risk of developing vein disease.

How do you treat vein disease?

Treatment strategies at Advanced Vascular & Vein Associates are tailored to suit your needs and often depend on the symptoms you’re experiencing as well as your level of disease.

Doppler imaging studies are typically used to evaluate blood flow through your veins. This painless study is performed at the Advanced Vascular & Vein Associates office.

Once your evaluation is complete, your specialist may recommend:

Laser vein ablation therapy to eliminate superficial varicose veins
Lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity
Advanced wound care to aid in healing of stasis ulcers
Use of compression garments

If any of the above symptoms related to vein disease sound familiar, schedule a visit at Advanced Vascular & Vein Associates today. Call the office, or book your appointment online.